Recruiting never stops and it's easy to miss the top stories day-to-day. Recruiting analyst Greg Smith recaps all things Nebraska recruiting news, analysis and more so you never miss a thing.
Sunday, Nov. 25, marks the start of the NCAA football recruiting Contact Period. Per the NCAA, “the contact period allows six in-person, off-campus contacts with prospective student-athletes by each college pursuing them. College head coaches are only allowed to do one in-person, off-campus contact with each commit or recruit.
“During this time, a college coach may have in-person contact with prospects and/or their parents on or off the college's campus. The coach may also visit the prospect's high school or watch the prospect compete, and the coach may write and telephone the prospect during this period once per calendar week.”
So, each staff will be hitting the road to make sure their current verbal commitments are solid while also setting up additional official visits for the weekends of Dec. 1, Dec. 8 and Dec 15. The dead period then kicks in on Monday, Dec. 17 where coaches are not allowed to meet in-person with recruits until Jan. 10, 2019 but are still allowed to talk over the phone.
This Class of 2019’s Early Signing Day begins Wednesday, Dec. 19. Look for the Nebraska coaches to be all over the country before then to sure up the remaining spots in the class.
Offensive line coach Greg Austin is ready for the recruiting blitz.
“It’s par for the course,” Austin said. “In order for you to create a sustained, winning program, you’ve got to get guys in here, get the recruits that you need and continue to build and work the relationships, so that’s the protocol. That’s what we have to do.”
The run from Nov. 25 to Dec. 19 will be a wild ride. It’s been described to me by multiple people on staff as an all-out recruiting blitz, so there will be lots of news and new targets emerging over the coming weeks.
Recruit Watch
>> Huskers 2019 OLB commit Garrett Nelson released his hightlight tape from the playoffs before a lot of the Huskers staff came to visit him.
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/6325079/5bfadec7a023880b00b8cc72
Can’t wait. ☠️ pic.twitter.com/A048xK3YGh
— Garrett Nelson (@gnelson763) November 25, 2018
>> Nash Hutmacher, one of Nebraska’s top priorities for the 2020 defensive line, picked up a cool honor as he was named on of the top players in his state.
Congratulations @Nashnation72 on making the Elite 45! #Cubnation #Thepolarbear #Cubpower https://t.co/oUoiygQ2VO
— Joe Hutmacher (@joe_hutmacher) November 22, 2018
>> Huskers running back coach and junior college recruiting coordinator Ryan Held is ready to reel in some recruits.
The foundation is laid for us. Great second half of the season. I can’t wait to get out on the road recruiting. Many lessons learned in year one. Our culture is right now thanks to the seniors. If I’m a recruit, I would want to to play at Nebraska. Motivation is very high.
— Ryan Held (@CoachRHeld) November 24, 2018
>> Tavion Mayo, a 2019 defensive backs target, is keeping a close eye on the situation in Lincoln.
Yaaaa big bro 💪🏽 @_TheCamJuice4
#GBR ❤️#huskernation 🌽 https://t.co/w3hKeDaabG— tavian2x (@tavian_1) November 24, 2018
>> Congratulations to 2019 offensive tackle commit Bryce Benhart on winning a state championship and going 13-0.
Winner! @BenhartBryce pic.twitter.com/ClDWHvRQjl
— Gene Benhart (@GBJr43) November 24, 2018
ICYMI
>> Scott Frost shared his “No Fear of Failure” mantra with the volleyball team.
>> Take a look back at the 2018 season for Nebraska’s recruits with this photo gallery.
>> I awarded some best of categories from the 2018 HS season.
>> Derek Peterson gave you three takeaways from Nebraska’s win over Western Illinois.
>> Take a look at Adrian Martinez’ first season.
Greg is the Recruiting Analyst for Hail Varsity and has covered Husker athletics since 2013. He has always had a passion for sports while growing up in the Chicago area. As he got older and had to hang up his cleats and sneakers, he realized his passion for sports went beyond just watching and attending games. He has covered many events from the Rose Bowl to championship boxing matches. If he’s not talking sports, he’s hovering over his grill. He is married to an amazing woman, Kim, and they have a dog that barks when Greg yells at the TV during games.
